Things to do in Chiang Rai

Hilltribe Museum and Population and Community Development Education Centre

The Hill Tribe Museum is funded by famed Thai philanthropist Meechai's PDA and serves as a handy primer for anyone considering heading trekking from Chiang Rai. The museum includes a brief overview and photographic display covering some of the hill tribes you are more likely to visit. A lengthy opium exhibit featuring opium weights and other tit bits is also worth a browse. A slideshow is available upon request. You may have to wake up the attendant in order to pay your admission, which includes a complimentary drink at the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant on the ground floor.

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620/25 Thanalai Rd (3rd floor)
crpda@hotmail.com
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00

Wat Phra Kaew

This is the most highly revered wat in Chiang Rai. Legend has it that in 1434 the stupa was struck by lightning and fell apart to reveal the Emerald Buddha. From that moment on, the statue travelled, visiting Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, Lampang and Vientiane over a period of more than 300 years. Today it rests in Bangkok in the temple of the same name. An almost but not exact replica was made from Canadian jade in celebration of the Queen Mother's 90th birthday and it is now housed on site. With its lush gardens and large stands of bamboo (it was once known as the Bamboo Forest monastery), Wat Phra Kaew has peaceful grounds and at the base of the enclosure that holds the jade replica a pond plays host to massive turtles.

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Trairat Rd, Chiang Rai

Wat Phra Singh

Constructed in 1385, this wat is regarded as a fine example of Lanna-style architecture. Note the twin sets of peacocks that flank the bot entrance and the white bunnies straight out of Alice in Wonderland at the back of the compound entranceway, along with the tree which has a Buddha for each day of the week standing around it. The wat once contained the Phra Phutthasihing, an important Theravada Buddha image which is now stored at Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai.

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Singhaclai Road, Chiang Rai

The Clock Tower

This is a new tower built to commemorate His Majesty the King's 80th birthday and to replace an old and tatty version. It's gold, gaudy, brash and something of an assault on the eyes, but it really comes into its own at night. It doesn't do its tricks every evening and the timings seem a bit sporadic, but if you are passing the Clock Tower one night it may just give you a light show to remember. Every colour and hue is used, from lime green to outrageous pink as the Tower performs its own version of a bad disco. The show lasts for about 20 minutes and seems to start at around 20:00.

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Paholyothin Rd/Jedyod

Ban Kamlar traditional steam

Just a short walk from Chiang Rai's morning market, this traditional steam house is a good spot to sooth your trekked out limbs. Prices are very reasonable.

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Ratyotha Rd

Hilltribe Treks

Trekking is one of the biggest attractions for travellers in Chiang Rai. The opportunity to get out into the jungle on foot or on an elephant is something that goes hand in hand with a trip to Thailand. Treks vary in length and challenge. Itineraries vary a little, but as a general rule, a two- to three-day trek will include:

a) Trekking in the mountains;
b) A boat trip and an elephant safari, which means some time out on a river and a jungle trek on an elephant;
c) Treks by foot into the jungle;
d) Visits to Akha, Karen, Lisu and Lahu tribe villages; and
e) Overnight stops in villages.

On these trips the tour guide should be well experienced, but do not expect to see anything dramatic. Over the years trekking has become fairly standardised, but nonetheless an enjoyable experience. The villagers have become very used to foreigners arriving, taking photos and getting back into their minibus or walking off on their way to the next village. It does no harm to buy some of their produce or craft. Some of the more enterprising villagers will be keen to have a photo taken on the premise that you will give them some money.

The Mae Kok River Trip

The Mae Kok runs wide and handsome through the centre of Chiang Rai on its way to the Mekong. Many feel it is much under used and there have been local rumblings about a river festival -- Travelfish will be the first to let everyone know if that comes about. At the moment the river trips are to Tha Ton, to the northwest, and in the opposite direction to the Mekong. The boats leave from the pier close to the Mae Fah Leuang Bridge at 10:30 each morning. The journey takes about three hours and costs 350B each way. This is one of the best ways to see the local scenery, and get a feel for just how vast the mountain regions are in this part of the world. The longtails are noisy so don't expect to see any wildlife hanging around to take a look at you.

The boat from Tha Ton to Chiang Rai leaves at 12:30 daily. Travel agents offer a half-day river trip on the Mae Kok, which goes to two hill tribe villages, an elephant camp, hot springs and a Buddha Cave. Obviously this is not as relaxing as simply gliding down the river on your way to somewhere, but a good alternative for those in a hurry.

The White Temple

The White Temple was completed after much controversy and debate, but has now become a real attraction for international and local tourists. It is about 13 km south of Chiang Rai on Superhighway 1. The work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it is, needless to say, completely white. To say it's ornate would be an understatement, with its arched bridge and ponds with white koi swimming about among a series of statues and figureheads. Opinions vary on whether this temple is the best or worst thing they have seen, but maybe that's part of the concept. Inside the temple the scene is very different, with a traditional Buddha image and paintings. The artist has a gallery of his work close by. It's free to enter and enjoy.

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13km south of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Beach

Given that the nearest bit of sea is about 1,000 km away, it would be reasonable to question this spot's name. The 'beach' is a very pleasant park bordering the Mae Kok, River, where there are stalls selling food and sit down places to eat a snack or Thai meal. The park is all very quiet and countrified. Local people come here to relax and have a picnic, drink some Mekhong whiskey and enjoy a family day out. The park does have a sandy shoreline but it's not exactly Phuket.